Checklist for Brainstorming Creative thinking requires tools such as the brainstorm and the affinity diagram. Brainstorming is simply listing all ideas put forth by a group in response to a given problem or question. In 1939, a team led by advertising executive Alex Osborn coined the term "brainstorm." According to Osborn, "Brainstorm means using the [...]

Assessing the Support Activities in the Value Chain PROCUREMENT  Have we developed alternate source for obtaining needed resources?  Are resources procured in a timely fashion? At lowest possible cost? At acceptable quality level?  How efficient and effective are our procedures for procuring large capital expenditures resources such as plant, machinery, and buildings? [...]

Assessing the Primary Activities in the Value Chain INBOUND LOGISTICS  Is there a materials control system? How well does it work?  What type of inventory control system is there? How well does it work?  How are raw materials handled and warehoused?  How efficiently are raw materials handled and warehoused? OPERATIONS  [...]

Affinity Diagram An Affinity Diagram is a creative process, used with or by a group, to gather and organize ideas, opinions, and business issues, among other things. It is generally conducted in combination with a branstorming session. AN AFFINITY DIAGRAM IS USED FOR: 1. Adding structure to a large or complicated issue 2. Breaking down [...]

Outsourcing Agreement For Administrative Services and Technology Development This Outsourcing Agreement for Administrative Services and Technology Development (the Agreement”), is effective as of [DATE] (the "Effective Date"). BETWEEN: [SERVICE PROVIDER NAME] (the "Service Provider"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: AND: [CLIENT NAME] (the [...]

Business Selection Worksheet The following worksheet will help you choose the business that’s right for you. It’s important that you take the time to evaluate all aspects very deeply. To fill it out, follow these three steps: 1. First, list the business ideas you’re considering by order of interest. In the top left-hand blank space [...]

Checklist for Basic Franchise Agreement Terms One of the most popular way to start your own company is through a franchise; a business organization in which a well-known firm with a successful product or service – the franchisor – enters into a contractual relationship with another business – the franchisee – that operates under the [...]

Executive Summary (Company Name) (Contact Name) (Address: Street, Town, State, Zip) Phone: Fax: Email: Web Address: (if appropriate) Business Description: Briefly describe the general nature of your company. From this section the investor must be convinced of the uniqueness of the business and gain a clear idea of the market in which the company will [...]

Business Plan Guidelines Every business can benefit from the preparation of a carefully written business plan. The purpose of the business plan is to: 1. Help you think through the venture and ensure you have considered all your options and anticipated any potential difficulties. 2. Convince lenders and investors that you are in control of [...]